Dental crowns and onlays are restorative dental treatments. They’re usually recommended for a wide range of tooth decay issues that can’t be treated using fillings or inlays.
A crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth, while an onlay only restores the upper part of the tooth. Both solutions offer their specific advantages and, at Northeast Dental Associates in Humble, Texas, Dr. Saalini Velamakanni will recommend the proper treatment based on your dental condition and needs.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth that restores its strength, appearance, and functionality. Dental crowns cover the whole visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.
Dental crowns are custom-made from materials like metal, resin, ceramic, or porcelain. Dr. V typically recommends crowns to patients who need to:
- Restore a broken or worn down tooth
- Cover up a misshapen or discolored tooth
- Complete a dental implant or hold a dental bridge in place
- Restore a tooth after cavity or damage treatment
- Hold together a cracked tooth
Onlays
Onlays are similar to inlays in many ways. But while inlays only fill the space between the cusps, onlays cover the entire top part of your tooth.
Onlays are generally made of porcelain, metal, resin, or composite materials. They fit over the biting portion of the tooth and are used in restoring teeth damaged by decay or cavities.
Onlays are kind of the middle ground between dental fillings and crowns. Dr. Velamakanni typically recommends them for:
- Teeth that cannot be fixed with regular fillings
- Filling tooth cracks, chips, and gaps
Dental crowns can last up to 5 to 15 years, whereas onlays can last for 10 years. However, the longevity of both crowns and onlays depends on how well you take care of them. Maintaining your oral health and avoiding putting unnecessary pressure on them can make them last longer.
Call us at (832) 818-8132 or visit us at 19411 McKay Dr #150, Humble, TX 77338 if you want to learn more about crowns and onlays and schedule an appointment at Northeast Dental Associates with Dr. Velamakanni, Dentist Humble, TX.